State Rep. Allan B. Ritter said today he will not seek re-election in 2014, which could sharply reduce Southeast Texas' influence in the Legislature when it reconvenes in 2015.

Ritter's term expires on Dec. 31, 2014.

"It has been one of the great honors of my life and career to have served in the Texas House of Representatives from District 21. In 1998, voters took a chance on me and together we have witnessed some history and worked to help shape a positive and productive future for Texas," Ritter state in a prepared statement.

"My constituents have always been generous with their support and in true Southeast Texas fashion, unapologetic in their critiques of my legislative actions. I needed both and will always cherish both," he said.

In the most recent regular session, Ritter led efforts to create a loan fund to develop the state's water resources.